Kaizer Chiefs and Siwelele FC will both be without key defensive players when they meet in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals, with Inacio Miguel and Aphiwe Baliti ruled out through suspension.

Miguel will miss the encounter after receiving a red card during Kaizer Chiefs' 2-1 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby. The Angolan defender was sent off late in the match, leaving head coach Fernando da Cruz with an additional selection challenge ahead of the cup fixture.

The 30-year-old has been an important member of the Chiefs defence since joining the club and has featured regularly in the team's campaign. His absence means Amakhosi will have to find an alternative to partner their available defenders as they attempt to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Miguel's suspension comes at an important stage of the competition, with Chiefs hoping to recover from their disappointing derby defeat by progressing further in the Carling Knockout.

Siwelele will also face a defensive selection problem after left-back Aphiwe Baliti was suspended for the same fixture.

Baliti received his marching orders during Siwelele's last-16 encounter against Polokwane City. The defender was shown a second yellow card in the 107th minute of extra time after the contest had gone beyond the regulation 90 minutes.

Despite his dismissal, Siwelele managed to secure qualification for the quarter-finals by winning the match through a penalty shootout.

His absence will force the technical team to consider another option at left-back as they prepare to face one of South Africa's most established football clubs.

With both teams losing defensive personnel, their coaches will need to make adjustments before the meeting. The suspensions could also influence how the two sides approach the contest, particularly when dealing with defensive organisation.

Both Chiefs and Siwelele will be targeting victory to keep their Carling Knockout Cup ambitions alive.

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